To simplify the expression \( 600(-0.1)^3 - 40(-0.1)^2 - 4 \), we first calculate the powers of \(-0.1\):
Calculate \((-0.1)^3\): \[ (-0.1)^3 = -0.001 \]
Calculate \((-0.1)^2\): \[ (-0.1)^2 = 0.01 \]
Now substitute these values back into the expression:
\[ 600(-0.001) - 40(0.01) - 4 \]
Now calculate each term:
- \(600(-0.001) = -0.6\)
- \(40(0.01) = 0.4\)
Now substitute these results back:
\[ -0.6 - 0.4 - 4 \]
Combine the terms:
\[ -0.6 - 0.4 = -1.0 \]
Now subtract 4:
\[ -1.0 - 4 = -5.0 \]
Thus, the final answer is:
\[ \boxed{-5} \]